The Joseph J. Zimmerman ’61 Endowed Chair in English has been named in honor of Zimmerman, an alumnus and benefactor of the college.
The Joseph J. Zimmerman ’61 Endowed Chair in English has been established at Alma College, which is the second-ever endowed chair in the school’s history. This endowed chair will be awarded for the first time in the 2025-2026 academic year and is intended to attract a faculty member in English who will leave an esteemed legacy on Alma College.
According to an article on Alma College’s website, Matthew Cicci, who is an associate professor of digital rhetoric and composition and the chair of the English department, was quoted as saying of the new endowed chair, “English education at colleges and universities across the United States and at Alma College is ambitiously evolving in order to meet the needs of a similarly changing world. This generous gift will provide Alma College an opportunity to be a pioneer in that space: to chart a path that looks at oral and visual communication, along with literature, in order to provide a holistic experience that equips students with skills essential for success after graduation.”
Joseph J. Zimmerman graduated from Alma College in 1961 with a degree in history. Soon after, he attended the University of Michigan and received his Juris Doctor degree and went into law. His legacy includes serving as the assistant attorney general in the state of Michigan. He was also heavily involved in civic affairs and worked with the Traverse Area Industrial Fund, the Traverse City Fire and Police Department Retirement System, and Traverse City Light and Power. Zimmerman passed away in 2017 at the age of 78. In 2018, a $1.4 million investment renamed the ballroom in the Wright-Leppien Opera House to honor Zimmerman’s parents, Joseph G. and Helen J. Zimmerman.
Sean Burke, the college’s provost and vice president of academic affairs, said, “The fact that this is so rare in Alma College’s history underscores how much we value Joseph Zimmerman’s accomplishments and philanthropic legacy in the English department at Alma College, and through the college broadly. This contribution will help secure the college’s traditionally strong liberal arts program: grounded in the humanities and preparing students for lifelong learning and leadership within a wide array of vocations.”
Burke continued, “Joseph Zimmerman’s generous gift is an endorsement of the excellent work that our faculty in English and every other department does to prepare graduates who live our mission. We are looking forward to continue working with potential donors on philanthropic projects that celebrate the humanities and advance the liberal arts in similar ways.”
The individual who takes on the role of the Joseph J. Zimmerman ’61 Endowed Chair in English will serve as a mentor for students, recruit and train new faculty members, foster relationships between the different departments, and help improve the school’s academic offerings.
For more information about Alma College, visit the school’s website.